Beijing Olympic Games

Updated: 2008-08-23 17:03:42

Moon Pil-hee rises above the Hungarian defense (Photo credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images)

(BEIJING, August 23) — The Republic of Korea won the bronze medal in the Women’s Handball competition by defeating Hungary 33-28 at the National Indoor Stadium on Saturday, August 23.

After a close game, the ROK sealed its victory with five minutes to go when Hungary lost their focus. With 55 minutes played, Hungary missed two passes in a row and both errors allowed Republic of Korea to make fast breaks and score.

At 31-27 Hungary wasted another attack by shooting straight at the ROK’s goalkeeper Lee Min-hee. When the Asian side scored in the following attack they started celebrating their bronze medal.

The first half of the match saw Hungary taking a quick 6-2 lead, but after a ROK team’s timeout after only six minutes the Asian team scored five goals in a row putting the score at 7-6.

Coming back strong after a time-out, Hungary went to the half time break leading 15-13.

In the second half, left back Moon Pil-hee (KOR) was dominant in attack. She scored 10 goals, six of them sharp long shots from the 9m. Right back Hong Jeong-ho (KOR) contributed eight goals, six of them from 7m penalty shots.

Hungary had to cope without their second best scorer, left wing Orsolya Verten who was injured in the semifinal against Russia and spent the entire match against the ROK on the bench.

Hungary ’s top scorer Anita Gorbicz scored five goals, but missed six.